Suspect Accused in Arizona Democratic Office Shootings Found with Cache of Over 120 Firearms

In a shocking development, an Arizona prosecutor revealed that Jeffrey Michael Kelly, arrested for targeting a Democratic National Committee office in suburban Phoenix, possessed over 120 firearms and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition. This substantial cache has raised suspicions among law enforcement regarding potential mass casualty plans.

During Kelly’s initial court hearing, Maricopa County prosecutor Neha Bhatia noted that federal agents reported the staggering amount of weaponry and ammunition confiscated from Kelly’s residence. The haul included scopes, body armor, and silencers, alongside a machine gun found in his vehicle.

The extensive collection of weapons has led authorities to conclude that Kelly was preparing for an act of significant violence, with Bhatia stating, “this person was preparing to commit an act of mass casualty.”

The 60-year-old allegedly discharged BB pellets and gunshots at the Arizona Democrats’ field office in Tempe on three separate occasions in September and October. Investigators discovered .22-caliber bullet casings among the contents of his trash.

Fortunately, no one was present in the office during these incidents, which occurred in the early hours. In a related alarming act, authorities reported that Kelly had placed political signs laced with razor blades in Ahwatukee, a Phoenix suburb known for its Democratic voter base. Additionally, bags labeled “biohazard” were hung from these signs.

These hand-painted signs, affixed to palm trees, appeared to mock Democratic figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Kelly faces three felony counts of acts of terrorism, alongside other charges linked to the shootings. A cash bond of $500,000 has been set, with conditions for house arrest and ankle monitoring should he post the necessary funds.

His attorney, Jason Squires, described Kelly as a retired aerospace engineer with a clean criminal record and no risk of fleeing. Kelly is scheduled to appear again in Maricopa County Superior Court on October 29.

This incident marked a serious escalation in political violence, particularly in Arizona, a key battleground state in the upcoming presidential campaign between Harris and former President Donald Trump. The Tempe office, one of 18 dedicated to organizing Harris’ campaign efforts in the state, was subsequently closed following the shootings.

Political tensions have reached dangerous heights, with assassination attempts made against Trump at campaign events, underscoring the volatility of this election cycle.

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This story was first published on October 23, 2024, and was updated on October 24, 2024, to clarify that the number of firearms found was over 120, rather than more than 200.